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Why Major in Middle School Education at Belmont?
Middle school students are at a pivotal point in their lives, navigating rapid intellectual, social, emotional and physical growth — and the right teacher during these years can make a lasting difference. Belmont's Middle School Education program prepares you to be that teacher: an expert in both your content area and the art and science of teaching, ready to meet the academic, social and emotional needs of the diverse students in classrooms across Middle Tennessee and beyond. You'll graduate with the content expertise, clinical preparation and ability to build welcoming, inclusive classrooms where every student can thrive.
If you want to be both a subject expert and a mentor at one of the most pivotal stages of a student's life, here's how the two paths compare:
Middle School vs. Secondary Teaching: What's the Difference?
| Middle School Teaching | Secondary Teaching | |
| Students | Grades 6 to 8, a time of rapid growth, exploration, and identity development | Grades 9 to 12, as students refine interests, goals, and preparation for future careers and studies |
| What you master | Content expertise combined with a deep understanding of early adolescent development | Deep content expertise and advanced learning within a specific discipline |
| Relationships | Opportunities to build strong connections while supporting students through key developmental years | Opportunities to mentor students as they make important academic, career, and life decisions |
| Your role | Subject expert, mentor, advocate, and guide during a pivotal stage of development | Subject expert, mentor, and guide as students prepare for college, careers, and future pathways |
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A New Program — Be Part of the First Class
Middle School Education is one of Belmont’s newest education degrees, launching as districts across Tennessee face growing demand for teachers prepared specifically for the middle grades. As an early student, you’ll help shape the program from the ground up — while learning in an established College of Education with the faculty, school partnerships and student support already in place.
What You’ll Learn
By the time you graduate, you’ll be able to:
- Design inclusive classrooms where students of every background and culture can meet high standards.
- Make your subject’s core concepts clear, relevant and masterable for every learner.
- Use varied assessments to track student progress and guide what you teach next.
- Plan lessons that move every student toward rigorous goals, drawing on your content knowledge, curriculum and understanding of your learners.
- Support the social, emotional and psychological development of young adolescents in safe, responsive classrooms.
- Build strong relationships with students, families and communities using evidence-based strategies.
Program Details
Curious about your coursework? View requirements for this degree in the course catalog.
One of Belmont’s defining strengths is the depth of real classroom experience woven through every year of the program. You won’t wait until your final semester to step into a school — you’ll be there from the start, completing 800+ hours of field experience and clinical practice across your four years.
Candidates are placed in public, private and charter school settings, including schools that serve culturally and linguistically diverse students, for well-rounded, real-world preparation.
| Year | Experience |
|---|---|
| Freshman Year | School observations and introductory field experiences embedded in foundational courses |
| Sophomore Year | Guided field experiences in diverse school settings |
| Junior Year | Methods courses with field placements; work with students across grade levels |
| Senior Year | Full clinical practice (student teaching) in a partner school |
Belmont’s Middle School Education program leads to Tennessee teacher licensure for grades 6 to 8 in your choice of content area:
- English language arts
- Mathematics
- Social studies
- Science
You’ll complete four Gateway milestones throughout the program, confirming your readiness at each stage. Upon completion, Belmont submits your licensure application on your behalf. Tennessee licenses can also transfer to other states through interstate reciprocity agreements.
Want to broaden your reach? You can add an endorsement in special education or English as a second language by completing a minor in one of those areas.
At Belmont, we believe education is more than a career — it’s a calling. The College of Education’s mission is to teach brilliantly, innovate boldly, advocate passionately and serve faithfully, growing teachers and leaders who embody these ideals. Our graduates leave prepared not only to educate, but to serve their students, families and communities with excellence and integrity.
What Sets Belmont’s Program Apart
Advocacy for Families and Children
Belmont’s College of Education prepares candidates to advocate for families, children and the profession — teaching you to recognize and honor the worth and dignity of every learner.
Passionate Teachers, Starting Day One
You can begin education courses in your very first semester. Belmont believes exemplary educators start developing their craft early, so you don’t wait to get started.
Course-Embedded Field Experience
Every education course either includes a direct field-experience component or is embedded in a school setting, giving you meaningful time in public, private and charter schools well before your final clinical practice.
Faculty Who Are Teachers
Belmont’s nationally accredited teacher-education program is taught by education faculty with doctorates who are committed to teaching and learning and who regularly work alongside PK–12 teachers and community agencies.
An Engaged Community
You’ll be welcomed into a highly engaged, supportive community that nurtures your journey toward a rewarding career in education.
Outcomes & Career Success
College of Education outcomes (all programs)
- 100% career-outcome rate (Class of 2025)
- 92% of employed graduates working in roles aligned with their career goals
- $56,888 average starting salary (Class of 2025)
- 800+ hours of field experience before graduation
- Personalized, direct faculty advising — no third-party advising
Where Belmont Education Graduates Teach
Across the College of Education, Belmont graduates teach in districts throughout Middle Tennessee and beyond, including:
- Metro Nashville Public Schools
- Williamson County Schools
- Maury County Schools
- Warren County Schools
- Charter and independent schools across Middle Tennessee and beyond
Career Possibilities
Whether your goal is to teach in a high-need urban school, a suburban district or a rural community, Belmont prepares you to make an impact wherever you’re called — as a licensed middle school teacher in English language arts, mathematics, social studies or science.
Abby Watson
Master of Arts in Teaching
6th grade English Language Arts Teacher in Williamson County
“My time at Belmont taught me the importance of honesty, curiosity and strong relationships. As a middle school teacher, these lessons guide the way I approach my classroom each day. I strive to reflect honestly on my teaching, ask questions when I need support and build meaningful connections with my students. In return, they make me laugh, challenge my thinking and help me become a better person every day.”
Jay Bracy
Secondary Education Mathematics
"My experience in Belmont's College of Education has equipped me with the knowledge, confidence, and practical experience needed to become an effective educator and leader. Through supportive faculty, meaningful field experiences, and opportunities to grow both inside and outside the classroom, I've been challenged to serve students with excellence and purpose. Belmont has strengthened my passion for mathematics education and prepared me to make a lasting impact on the lives of my future students."
Learn from Faculty Who Are Teachers
All of your education courses are taught by education faculty with doctorates — experienced practitioner-scholars who work alongside PK–12 teachers and are committed to your growth. You’ll get personalized, direct advising from faculty who know you by name.
Sally Barton-Arwood
Email: sally.arwood@belmont.edu
Office Location: Ayers 5028
Devin DeLaughter
Email: devin.delaughter@belmont.edu
Office Location: Ayers 5033
Darcie Finch
Email: darcie.finch@belmont.edu
Office Location: Ayers 5034
Joe Fitzgerald
Email: joe.fitzgerald@belmont.edu
Office Location: Ayers 5019
Rachael Flynn
Email: rachael.flynn@belmont.edu
Office Location: Ayers 5023
Jodi C. Green
Office Location: Ayers 5016
Annie Insana
Email: annie.insana@belmont.edu
Office Location: Ayers 5034
Mona Ivey-Soto
Email: mona.iveysoto@belmont.edu
Office Location: Ayers 5026
Lauren Lunsford
Email: lauren.lunsford@belmont.edu
Office Location: Ayers 2044
Emily Moses
Email: emily.moses@belmont.edu
Office Location: Ayers 4104
Amanda Nelms
Email: amanda.nelms@belmont.edu
Office Location: Ayers 5027
Jesse Wood
Yes. Middle School Education is one of Belmont’s newest education degrees and is now accepting applications. You’ll study in the established College of Education, with its faculty, school partnerships and student support already in place.
You’ll gain hands-on classroom experience beginning in your first semester of freshman year. Throughout the program you’ll work in a variety of educational settings, building the skills and experience to confidently navigate diverse classrooms and meet the needs of a wide range of learners.
The program leads to Tennessee licensure for grades 6 to 8 in your choice of content area: English language arts, mathematics, social studies or science.
You’ll graduate licensed to teach middle school in your chosen subject area. You can add endorsements in special education or English as a second language by completing a minor in one of those areas.
You’ll take the Middle School Praxis exam for your subject area, which is required for licensure and typically taken in the fall of your senior year. Belmont provides support such as Praxis 240 tutoring to help you prepare.
Middle School Education is a four-year, 128-credit-hour degree, completed fully in person on Belmont’s Nashville campus.
Across the College of Education, Belmont graduates teach in districts throughout Middle Tennessee and beyond, including Metro Nashville, Williamson County, Maury County and Warren County Schools, along with charter and independent schools.
Contact Us
Addison Wallace
Admissions Coordinator
615.460.5505
Email Addison
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